Michigan’s oldest drivers much less likely to crash than teen drivers

Michigan’s aging population means a growing number of senior citizens behind the wheel: Since 2010, the number of licensed drivers age 65 and older has grown by 24 percent.

But for all the legitimate concerns about older drivers, a look at Michigan accident statistics show senior citizens are less likely than younger drivers to be involved in a crash.

In 2017, about 75 of every 1,000 licensed drivers of any age were involved in a traffic accident, according to Michigan State Police statistics. For drivers under 20, that rose to about 125 per 1,000 drivers. For those age 25 to 64, it was 69 per 1,000 drivers.

And for drivers age 65 and older? It was less than half the state average: 35.5 per 1,000 drivers.

And the numbers actually drop as drivers get older: Those age 65 to 74 are more likely to be involved in a crash than those 80 and older, the numbers show.

What’s that about?

A fact sheet from the American Automobile Association points out senior citizens tend to be exceptionally cautious drivers. They are more likely to wear seat belts, observe speed limits and avoid drinking and driving.

In addition, AAA says, “Most older drivers recognize and avoid situations where their limitations put them at risk. They drive less after dark, during rush hour or in bad weather, and avoid difficult roads such as highways and intersections.”

AAA points that senior citizens’ caution is not misplaced. Diminished eyesight is a problem for older drivers, as well conditions such as arthritis that can weaken muscle function, reduce flexibility and limit range of motion. Senior citizens are more likely to take medications that can impact driving performance.

Below is a county-by-county look at the number of 2017 crashes involving teen drivers versus drivers age 80 and older. The accident numbers come from the Michigan State Police and the number of licensed drivers comes from the Michigan Secretary of State. (Note: The numbers include all drivers involved in a crash, regardless of fault.)

2017 crashes involving teen vs. elderly drivers

While senior citizens are less likely to be involved in a vehicle crash, they are most susceptible to serious injury or death when they are in an accident. That’s because their bones are more fragile and they’re more likely to have medical issues such as diabetes or heart condition that makes it harder to recover.

That medical fragility means older drivers are 17 times more likely to die in a vehicle crash than 25- to 64-year-olds, according to AAA.

About three of every four Michigan residents age 80 and older had a driver’s license in 2017. That’s based on about 298,000 licensed drivers in that age group compared to an estimated population of about 402,000.